May 1 is quickly approaching, which means high-school seniors need to make their college decisions. Still trying to decide where to go? If you're looking for a school that provides opportunities to build community and grow individually, Loyola University Chicago is the school for you. Here are eight reasons you should become a Rambler:

1. Not too big, not too small.

With just over 11,000 undergraduate and 5,000 graduate students, Loyola is the perfect size. It’s big enough that you don’t know everyone on campus, but small enough that you'll see familiar faces. This size creates a strong sense of community that you can't find at every school. Here at Loyola, you'll definitely feel part of the Rambler family.

2. "It's cooler by the lake."

While this also applies to Chicago's infamously cold weather, "it's cooler by the lake" refers to Loyola's prime location on the shore of Lake Michigan. Whether you have a room with a view or take a walk along the rocks, this beautiful lake will be the subject of many of your Snapchats. And speaking of beautiful ...

3. The campus is breathtaking.

The beauty of Loyola's campus will blow you away (if the wind doesn't first). Lake Michigan sparkles through the glass windows of the Information Commons. Madonna Della Strada Chapel stuns you with its beauty, both inside and out. The architecture of the old and new buildings blend seamlessly together, and you can enjoy the entire picturesque campus while sitting on the open quad.

4. There's more than one campus.

Loyola students are lucky to have not just one, but seven campuses to explore! In addition to the Lakeshore Campus, students can take classes at the Water Tower Campus just blocks away from Michigan Avenue. Nursing and medical students benefit from the Health Sciences Campus in Maywood. Visiting LUREC for a retreat or ecology class is a must, and our study abroad centers in Rome, Beijing, and Ho Chi Minh City give Ramblers a worldly experience. But that's not all ...

5. Chicago is your front yard, backyard, all around you.

The Loyola experience goes beyond campus grounds. Students have access to one of the greatest cities in the world. You can step into the fast-paced downtown atmosphere or explore Chicago's many vibrant and diverse neighborhoods. And it's all just an L ride away! At Loyola, the city's our classroom, and Ramblers take full advantage of it.

6. Two words: The Jesuits.

It's hard to find someone at Loyola who doesn't love the Jesuits. They attend student retreats, have a themed basketball game each year, and even have their own folk band! But even more, Loyola's Jesuits provide students with guidance, support, and friendship that add value to their college experience.

7. There's something here for everyone.

Many incoming freshmen worry about finding their place in college, but at Loyola, everyone feels at home. Interested in Greek life? Rush a sorority or fraternity! Want to keep up your athletic skills? Form an intramural team! Love "Harry Potter"? Play on the Quidditch team! Want to make a difference in the community? Join a service group! Here at Loyola, students come from all sorts of backgrounds. No matter who you are or what you enjoy, you'll find a home within our home!

8. "Go forth and set the world on fire."

The words of St. Ignatius of Loyola are embodied in every student. Ramblers are driven, passionate, and determined to make the world a better place. Our students are involved to community service, advocate for social justice, and work tirelessly to complete their degrees. There's no doubt Ramblers will make a mark in the world.

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These are just some of the many reasons you should consider Loyola. It's a school filled with unique opportunities, strong values, and extraordinary people. We hope you join the Rambler family!